Acute Appendicitis:
- Acute appendicitis is a sudden and severe form, often occurring in children and young adults between 10 and 30 years old, with a higher incidence in males.
- Symptoms, including intense abdominal pain, develop rapidly over 24 hours, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as appendix rupture.
- Acute appendicitis is more prevalent, affecting about 7 to 9 percent of all Americans during their lifetime.
Chronic Appendicitis:
- Chronic appendicitis is less common, occurring in approximately 1.5 percent of individuals who have previously experienced acute appendicitis.
- Symptoms in chronic cases may be mild and sporadic, reappearing over weeks, months, or years after an episode of acute appendicitis.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, and sometimes chronic appendicitis is only identified when it progresses to the acute stage.
Symptoms of Appendicitis:
- Appendicitis pain typically starts as mild cramping in the upper abdomen or bellybutton area before moving to the lower right quadrant.
- Pain onset is sudden, worsens with movement or coughing, and may be severe enough to disrupt sleep.
- Other symptoms include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, low-grade fever, and, less commonly, bowel issues such as diarrhea or constipation.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- The exact cause of appendicitis is often unknown, but it is believed to occur when part of the appendix becomes obstructed or blocked.
- Potential blockages include hardened stool, enlarged lymphoid follicles, intestinal worms, traumatic injury, or tumors.
- Anyone can be affected by appendicitis, but certain factors may increase the risk, including age (more common in teens and people in their 20s), sex (more common in males), and a family history of appendicitis.
Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical attention are crucial to prevent complications such as a ruptured appendix. If experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent upset stomach, vomiting, or difficulties with bowel movements, seeking immediate medical care is essentia